Texas takes on LSU tonight in a game that will likely decide which team still has a shot at the College Football Playoff. The loser is expected to be effectively eliminated from contention.
Texas enters the matchup at 7-2 on the season. The Longhorns have talent across the roster but have struggled to put together consistent performances, losing to Florida and Oklahoma while their marquee win over Ohio State has looked weaker as the season has gone on.
Quarterback Arch Manning, who entered the year with buzz as a potential top NFL Draft pick, has completed about 66% of his passes for just more than 2,000 yards, with 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Against ranked opponents this season, Manning is 83-for-124 for 905 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions.
LSU sits at 6-3 in Lane Kiffin’s first season leading the program. The Tigers have dropped games to Ole Miss, Kentucky and Alabama, but still hold a slim outside chance at the Playoff if they win tonight. A loss ends that chance entirely.
Quarterback Sam Leavitt has completed 71% of his passes for roughly 2,500 yards, with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. His top target has been Jackson Harris, who has racked up 800 receiving yards and seven touchdowns this season.
Texas is listed as a +3.5 underdog for the game, a line that has drawn attention given the Longhorns’ overall talent. The over/under opened at 54.5 and has dropped to 46.5.
